Transcript Highlights:

• <00:55:39.039> where<00:55:39.200> it program than putting it in hb2 where it program
• than putting it in hb2 where it may<00:55:39.599> need<00:55:39.760> to<00:55:39.880><
• c> be<00:55:40.079> again<00:55:40.280> in<00:55:40.400> hb2<00:55:41.000>
• > and<00:55:41.119> so<00:55:41.240> on may need to be again in hb2 and so on may need
• <01:00:10.400> no hb2 no hb2 no seriously<01:00:12.200> okay<01:00:12.480> go<01

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division 2 work session first took up HB 506, a bill dealing with the return of seized firearms. Members discussed how the measure would shift background-check processing for firearm returns through the Department of Safety, while the physical firearms would still remain with local police unless State Police had taken custody. The department said the bill would change which cases come to it, and members clarified that the bill concerns the background-check decision rather than possession of the firearms. The committee then voted OTP on HB 506 FN by a 7-0 roll call. The committee next discussed HB 671, establishing a kindergarten literacy readiness program. Department of Education staff explained that the bill grew out of a COVID-era Waterford contract that provided home-based early literacy support for families using federal relief funds, at a cost of about $600,000 per year, but that the program ended when those funds expired. Members raised concerns that the bill’s $1 appropriation was not realistic, that the prior program lacked sufficient outcome data, and that the references to ESSA tier-one benchmarks were unclear. The department said it was conducting a broader literacy needs assessment and updating the state literacy plan, including data from the zero-to-five range, K-5, and dyslexia-related work. Waterford representatives described the program as an early-literacy, pre-K readiness service for children ages zero to five, originally designed to work in homes with computers and internet provided where needed, and later expanded in some settings such as daycares and pre-K classrooms. They said the program used assessments at the beginning and end, had served hundreds of children, and was intended to support family engagement and kindergarten readiness. Despite that testimony, members remained concerned about funding and the lack of clear results, and one member moved to retain the bill for more information. The discussion ended with the bill retained rather than advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• And<04:27:10.560> um And um And um HB2<04:27:13.279> in<04:27:13.600> its<04:27:
• 27:14.399> form<04:27:14.800> was<04:27:15.199> I<04:27:15.520> thought HB2
• c><04:31:40.399> really<04:31:41.279> feel<04:31:42.239> that<04:31:42.640> HB2
• I really really feel that HB2 has you.
• I really really feel that HB2 has turned<04:31:44.399> out<04:31:45.199> to<04:31:45.520

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But that was not, basically, any of the proposals throughout the HB2 process; that was not a concern.
• I don't have what that number is, but that would be, uh, so in the HB2 budget, you know, the surplus
• But that was not, basically, any of the proposals throughout the HB2 process; that was not a concern.
• I don't have what that number is, but that would be, uh, so in the HB2 budget, you know, the surplus
• Okay. the HB2 budget. Uh you know, the the the HB2 budget.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• removed from the appropriation was removed from the version<01:11:16.400> of<01:11:16.640> HB2
• > this<01:11:18.320> this<01:11:18.640> House<01:11:18.880> and version of HB2
• this this House and version of HB2 this this House and Senate<01:11:19.440> finally<01:11:19.760
• HB 292 HB 292 um<02:18:15.200> in<02:18:15.439> HB2<02:18:16.880> so<02:18:17.439
• so uh you know that pretty um in HB2 so uh you know that pretty much<02:18:19.040> is<02:18:19.200

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met on October 30 to act on a series of House bills that had been moved during the budget process and, in many cases, were already addressed in the state budget. The chair explained that bills covered by the budget would generally be reported inexpedient to legislate, while some others would be placed on the consent calendar or handled separately. Early votes were largely unanimous, including House Bill 54, which would allow alternate treatment centers to operate for profit; the committee voted 25-0 ought to pass and sent it to the consent calendar. The committee then recommended inexpedient to legislate on House Bill 97, a wastewater and infrastructure appropriation bill, because the funding had been replaced in House Bill 2 with $2.5 million in each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Representative Rum opposed the ITL motion, arguing the projects would otherwise burden local property taxpayers and that the funding was important for housing and municipal infrastructure, but the motion passed 14-11. House Bill 111, dealing with the right-to-know ombudsman, was also reported ITL 14-11 on the grounds that the budget already made significant reforms and separate action could create conflicting statutory language. House Bill 164, creating funding for a local government records manager position in the Secretary of State’s office, received a unanimous amendment appropriating $150,000 for fiscal year 2027 and then passed 25-0 ought to pass as amended, moving to the regular calendar. House Bill 197, the Property Tax Relief Act, drew extended debate over whether restoring a state contribution to retirement system costs would reduce local property taxes; supporters framed it as tax relief for municipalities and school districts, while opponents said the effect would be minimal or offset by other retirement-system changes. The committee ultimately voted 14-11 ITL, with a minority report requested. House Bill 215, requiring landfill permit applicants to submit a report on potential harms and benefits, was amended and then passed 25-0 ought to pass as amended. House Bill 216, which would remove a workers’ compensation-related service-credit limit for certain disability retirement cases, was voted ITL 25-0 after the sponsor said the fiscal impact was too uncertain. Finally, House Bill 219, which would redirect renewable portfolio standard funds and was amended to delay its effective date to July 1, 2027, advanced after debate over electricity costs and renewable energy policy; the committee adopted the amendment unanimously and then voted on the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• got some questions um is this going got some questions um is this going going<00:28:28.279> in hb2
• hb2 hb2 it's<00:28:34.799> it<00:28:35.080> is<00:28:35.760> it<00:28:35.880>
• 40.159> in um I don't know if it's going to stay in um I don't know if it's going to stay in hb2
• > obviously<00:28:41.559> going<00:28:41.840> through<00:28:42.120> and hb2
• they're obviously going through and hb2 they're obviously going through and making<00:28:42.640>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 14:31.320> so middle thank you for the question um so middle thank you for the question um so hb2
• 34.639> um<01:14:34.800> made<01:14:35.000> a<01:14:35.239> significant hb2
• 2023 um made a significant hb2 2023 um made a significant investment<01:14:36.480> in<01:14:36.760
• Aging Services<01:46:26.360> um<01:46:26.599> in<01:46:26.840> in<01:46:27.080> hb2
• uh<01:46:28.199> we<01:46:28.360> were<01:46:29.320> uh Services um in in hb2

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• practice, so I just wanted to point it out and bring that back up again when we talk about it in May. hb2
• um did pass 15 million for fiscal hb2 um did pass 15 million for fiscal year<02:15:17.159> 26
• 15 million that's already been approved 15 million that's already been approved in<02:15:26.280> hb2
• 27.239> 2023<02:15:28.239> that's<02:15:28.400> not<02:15:28.599> typical in hb2
• in 2023 that's not typical in hb2 in 2023 that's not typical practice<02:15:29.480> so<02:15:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:29:46.679> sheet have two items on the just DM sheet have two items on the just DM sheet hb2
• c> HD1<01:29:50.600> relating<01:29:50.920> to<01:29:51.080> Environmental hb2
• uh 256 HD1 relating to Environmental hb2 uh 256 HD1 relating to Environmental Protection<01:29:52.639

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met on February 20, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. HB 850, relating to condominiums, drew support from the Community Associations Institute and the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, who said it would improve owner participation, clarify voting rules, and preserve the use of proxies as a personal choice. A Zoom testifier supported the bill’s intent but warned that special meetings can be abused and suggested further amendments to address board president authority. Members asked about proxies versus electronic voting and whether the bill would reduce proxy use; no vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 48 on coffee labeling, with the Department of Agriculture in support, and HB 1370 on taxation, where a local brewery representative supported equal tax treatment for beer served from 5-gallon kegs and larger kegs when dispensed from a faucet, arguing the bill would clarify draft beer treatment and encourage sustainability. HB 1422 on motor carriers received comments from the Public Utilities Commission and the Department of State Parks, while representatives from a community-based shuttle initiative supported the bill and said nonprofit, community-led transportation solutions should not be regulated like traditional carriers. HB 874, relating to child performers, received support from SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and individual performers, who emphasized protecting minors’ earnings, safety, and schooling. Testimony also discussed whether to include social media influencers and whether to add annual income limits or trust-account protections; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said the issue was outside its wheelhouse. Later, HB 799 on healthcare drew support from health plans and HMSA, with the Department of Health requesting amendments such as a sunset date, a Maui-only pilot, and a report back before changing its position. HB 1379 on health received support from Hawaii Pacific Health, but the Hawaii Medical Board raised concerns about vague language and public-safety implications for internationally trained physicians, asking for more time to study national licensing recommendations. Finally, HB 439 on education was heard, with the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board opposing the bill as drafted and warning about licensing standards and predatory third-party loans affecting J-1 teachers; the transcript ends before any action or vote on these measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• the passage of the repealed with the passage of the language<00:46:33.599> in<00:46:33.839> HB2
• so<00:46:35.440> it's<00:46:35.760> pretty<00:46:36.000> much language in HB2
• Um, so it's pretty much language in HB2.
• um<03:33:05.359> since<03:33:05.600> we<03:33:05.760> got<03:33:06.000> HB2
• <03:33:06.720> and and especially um since we got HB2 and and especially um since we got HB2

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• may recall, the the landfill portion<00:39:17.200> of<00:39:18.079> um<00:39:18.400> HB2
• > were<00:39:20.079> not<00:39:20.400> able<00:39:20.640> to portion of um HB2
• we were not able to portion of um HB2 we were not able to reconcile<00:39:21.760> with<00:39:
• HB 292 HB 292 um<02:18:15.200> in<02:18:15.439> HB2<02:18:16.880> so<02:18:17.439
• so uh you know that pretty um in HB2 so uh you know that pretty much<02:18:19.040> is<02:18:19.200

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met on October 30 to act on a series of bills that had been considered during the budget process, with many being recommended for inexpedient to legislate because their funding or policy language had already been handled in House Bill 2. Early actions were largely unanimous. House Bill 54, allowing alternate treatment centers to operate for profit, was recommended ought to pass and was approved 25-0, then placed on the consent calendar because it carried no appropriation. House Bill 97, a wastewater and infrastructure appropriation, was recommended inexpedient to legislate because its funding had been replaced in HB 2; Representative Rum opposed the motion and argued the grant funding helps local taxpayers and housing development, but the committee adopted ITL 14-11, with a minority report to follow. House Bill 111, dealing with the right-to-know ombudsman, was also unanimously recommended ITL because the budget had already made related reforms. The committee then took up House Bill 164, and adopted Amendment 225-2979H, which appropriates $150,000 in FY 2027 to the Secretary of State’s Division of Archives and Records Management for a local government records manager position. The amended bill was then recommended ought to pass as amended and approved 25-0. House Bill 197, the Property Tax Relief Act, drew the most extended debate. Supporters said it would restore a state contribution to retirement costs for local employers and provide property tax relief, while opponents argued the earlier change was largely offset by employee contribution increases and other retirement-system adjustments. The committee ultimately adopted ITL 14-11, and a minority report was requested. The committee also acted on House Bill 215, a landfill-related bill. Members explained that most of its language had been included in HB 2 but was removed in conference, so the bill was retained and amended to apply more narrowly to new landfills. Amendment 2025-2970H was adopted unanimously, and the bill was then recommended ought to pass as amended by a 25-0 vote. House Bill 216, which would change retirement eligibility rules for certain workers injured on the job, was recommended inexpedient to legislate after its sponsor said the fiscal impact was too uncertain to support. Finally, House Bill 219 received Amendment 2025-2988H to change its effective date to July 1, 2027, and discussion began on the bill’s broader purpose of returning about $5.7 million annually from RPS funds to ratepayers.

Transcript Highlights:

• things that bother me when this goes the things that bother me when this goes into<03:03:22.000> hb2
• :23.319> kind<03:03:23.479> of<03:03:24.479> it's<03:03:24.760> it into hb2
• because it just kind of it's it into hb2 because it just kind of it's it becomes<03:03:25.200> a<
• <03:03:32.399> so<03:03:32.520> I have not yet read what's in hb2 so I have not yet
• read what's in hb2 so I don't<03:03:32.680> know<03:03:32.840> whether<03:03:33.040>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 129, which would redefine “evidence-based” in public education. The Department of Education testified that the bill’s definition would conflict with federal definitions and be very restrictive, potentially affecting a wide range of instructional methods, curriculum materials, teacher training, civics requirements, suicide prevention training, and other programs. The department said the bill could force a broad overhaul of school practices, create local implementation burdens, and require at least one new state position, with a fiscal note estimating roughly $118,000 in FY 2026 rising in later years. Members also raised concerns about possible impacts on federal pass-through funding and whether the bill was workable. Representative Papovich moved to retain HB 129, and the motion passed 7-0. The committee then heard HB 133, a Department of Safety/DMV bill involving follow-up when a person votes using an out-of-state license or non-driver ID and then does not obtain a New Hampshire credential within the statutory timeframe. DMV officials said the bill would require a $40,000 technology upgrade plus a new full-time position, and that the fiscal note did not include postage or fully account for the manual work needed to match records, send notices, and review responses. They said the proposal also raised broader tracking issues because it would apply not only to voters but to anyone who had not obtained a New Hampshire license within 60 days, and they questioned whether DMV was the proper agency to make those inquiries. Committee members pressed the department on how the 60-day clock would be determined, whether the bill could amount to a kind of poll tax or raise privacy concerns, and whether voter ID cards or other exceptions would avoid that problem. The department explained that New Hampshire offers a free voter identification card through town clerks for people without a license or state ID, but said the bill did not exempt those cards and that the DMV would still be asked to investigate status after voting. Officials also said the bill would be difficult to enforce, that some cases would be ambiguous, and that any response from the DMV would likely amount to a request for information rather than an enforceable consequence. No vote on HB 133 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• > that's<03:02:47.040> always<03:02:47.279> very<03:02:47.439> frustrating hb2
• and that's always very frustrating hb2 and that's always very frustrating rating<03:02:48.359> when
• <03:03:31.439> read<03:03:31.640> what's<03:03:31.800> in<03:03:31.920> hb2
• <03:03:32.399> so<03:03:32.520> I have not yet read what's in hb2 so I have not yet
• read what's in hb2 so I don't<03:03:32.680> know<03:03:32.840> whether<03:03:33.040>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 129, which would redefine “evidence-based” in public education. Department of Education testimony said the bill’s definition would conflict with the federal definition and be unusually restrictive, potentially affecting curriculum, educator training, and many existing state requirements. The department said it could force a broad overhaul of school programs and create a need for at least one new state position, with local districts likely facing significant unbudgeted costs. Members raised concerns about impacts on federal pass-through funding, curriculum materials, and whether the bill was workable at all. Several members said the proposal would be too costly and difficult to implement, especially during a tight budget cycle. Representative Papovich moved to retain HB 129, and the motion passed 7-0. Members who supported retention said they wanted to set the bill aside because of the scale of the concerns, while also stating they did not support the bill as written. The committee then opened HB 133, dealing with DMV follow-up on residency and licensing issues tied to voting and other interactions. Department of Safety/DMV officials said the bill would require a $40,000 technology update plus a full-time position to handle manual correspondence and review of possible matches, and that postage was not included in the fiscal note. They said the bill’s 60-day residency trigger is vague, that the DMV would be acting outside its normal role by investigating status after the fact, and that the measure could create privacy and operational problems. Members questioned whether the bill would effectively force people to buy a driver’s license to vote, whether non-driver and voter ID options would avoid that concern, and whether the Secretary of State rather than DMV would be the more appropriate agency to handle any follow-up.

Transcript Highlights:

• uh some of the language you have and hb2 uh some of the language you have there<00:40:32.200> uh<
• they're not so much that we see in hb2 they're not so much really<00:43:04.720> structural<00
• all<00:43:33.400> this<00:43:33.720> does<00:43:33.960> in<00:43:34.119> hb2
• <00:43:34.720> is<00:43:34.880> extend session all this does in hb2 is extend session
• all this does in hb2 is extend the<00:43:35.640> time<00:43:36.280> for<00:43:36.480><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs’ budget, with testimony from division leadership on staffing, funding sources, and program changes. Early discussion focused on vacant positions in the agency, including a senior planner tied to FEMA requirements, a federally funded program assistant, a program specialist to be reclassified during a planning reorganization, and two Housing Champions positions that were authorized but not funded in the current biennium and are requested for 2026-27. The witnesses also explained that temporary welcome center positions are filled as funds allow, and that the agency’s requested general fund increase is driven largely by the Division of Travel and Tourism Development and its formula-based funding. Members then reviewed rest areas, welcome centers, outdoor recreation, economic development, procurement, and workforce opportunity lines. The department said there are 12 rest areas, with 5.8 million foot counts in FY 24, and that welcome centers are generally open year-round, though Sutton is currently closed and staffing relies on a mix of full-time and temporary employees. The outdoor recreation position is federally funded through USDA and supports business outreach, trade shows, and industry promotion. In economic development, the agency said increased dues reflect participation in the Northern Borders Regional Commission, and that a marketing line item is intended to support recruitment and promotion of growth industries such as advanced manufacturing and life sciences. The Apex Accelerator Program was described as a state-federal partnership requiring a state match and providing government contracting assistance to businesses, while the Office of Workforce Opportunity was explained as a federally funded WIOA-related effort administered through multiple agencies and subrecipients. A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which members said had generated significant public concern. The department described SBDC as a highly effective technical assistance program for new and small businesses, but said the cut was one of the few places it felt it had room to reduce funding. Members asked about federal support and matching requirements for various programs, and the department said less than half of its overall budget is generally funded by the state and that some programs require state match. The committee also discussed travel and tourism marketing and the Joint Promotional Program, with the department saying those funds support broader advertising campaigns and grants to chambers and trade associations for events such as Bike Week, Restaurant Week, and the Seafood Festival. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know it was part of our discussion during HB2, which didn't make it into our version of the bill.
• :07:13.919> our<00:07:14.240> discussion<00:07:14.639> during<00:07:15.039> HB2
• <00:07:15.840> which part of our discussion during HB2 which part of our discussion during
• HB2 which didn't<00:07:16.639> make<00:07:16.800> it<00:07:16.960> in<00:07:17.440

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We urge to appropriate funds in HB2 that HCA needs to stand up an ongoing food benefits program without
• In HB2, that HCA needs to stand up an ongoing food benefits program.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• multi-year budgeting, but there is still some inconsistency in the size of appropriations and their HB2
• Some examples here include an HB2 language change this last session for tutoring programs and changes

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation on strategic resource management in public education. LESC staff and PED officials argued that New Mexico has increased school funding, but local budgeting and planning remain fragmented and overly compliance-driven. They described long-term pressures including declining enrollment, rising special education costs, falling cash balances, changes in federal funding, and leadership turnover, and said schools need more intentional multi-year planning tied to student outcomes. They also outlined the many disconnected planning requirements schools must complete, compared New Mexico’s current approach with Ohio’s three-year budget forecasting model, and recommended continuing multi-year appropriations, adding $2.5 million for state grants in the unified application, and directing LESC, LFC, and PED to develop a long-term financial planning proposal. PED said it is working to reduce administrative burden through school accreditation, a unified application for federal and state funds, and internal alignment of guidance and coaching, with pilot schools reporting time savings and better alignment. Members raised concerns about four-day school weeks, the burden on small districts, the need for outcomes and return on investment, and whether the state should move toward a two-year or three-year planning cycle; staff clarified that the proposal was to streamline or eliminate redundant requirements, not add another layer. The committee then received an update on the Educator Fellows program. PED described it as a Grow Your Own pipeline that employs candidates as supplemental educational assistants while they work toward licensure, providing salary, benefits, paid leave, mentoring, and coursework support. Officials said the program helps address teacher shortages, improves student-to-teacher ratios, increases workforce diversity, and supports the Martinez-Yazzie action plan. They reported 370 current fellows across 86 LEAs and about 180 schools, with many fellows being people of color, first-generation college students, or second-career educators; roughly 85 are expected to become certified this year. A local HR director from Belen testified that the program has been especially valuable in small communities, where fellows are already rooted in the community and several have moved into teaching roles. Members asked about high school recruitment, tuition, retirement and benefits, the relationship to the Higher Education Department’s Grow Your Own scholarship, and the role of university partners. PED said fellows choose among accredited higher education partners, the program is separate from the scholarship but complementary, and the state is also building an apprenticeship model and seeking to expand the program to more LEAs, though some districts are on a waiting list because of funding and local match requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Represent, OK, that's sort of the overall total HB2 Representative Dow, are you asking specifically about

Transcript Highlights:

• tax<04:23:57.439> was<04:23:57.760> instituted<04:23:58.319> in<04:23:58.560> HB2
• <04:23:59.680> recently tax was instituted in HB2 recently tax was instituted in HB2 recently

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > to<00:32:34.559> be<00:32:34.720> made<00:32:34.880> in<00:32:35.320> HB2
• ones that ought to be made in HB2 ones that ought to be made in HB2 because<00:32:36.720> there's

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• which are in act standard deduction uh which are in act 46<01:05:32.279> or<01:05:32.480> hb2
• 33.920> last<01:05:34.440> session<01:05:35.440> um<01:05:35.920> one 46 or hb2
• 404 from last session um one 46 or hb2 404 from last session um one thing<01:05:36.279> to<01

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 7, 2025, to hear testimony on several bills and later take up amendments and votes. HB 1405, HB 1406, and HB 1407 drew broad support from business, housing, utility, and development groups, with no opposition noted on those measures. Testifiers generally said the bills would streamline permitting, improve coordination, and expand support for chambers of commerce and small businesses. After recess, the chair recommended amendments to each bill, including changes to broaden eligibility, add reporting requirements, and include funding and staffing notes. HB 1405 was amended to allow certain projects with one state and one county permit to qualify, require annual DBEDT reports to the Legislature, and note one full-time position and $125,000 in funding; the committee voted to pass it with amendments. HB 1406 was amended to move the intergovernmental task force from DBEDT to the House Legislature, add a Speaker-appointed chair, and include a $125,000 appropriation note; it also passed with amendments. HB 1407 was amended to convert the chamber support from a grant process to an RFP process and require a 1-to-5 match on a $100,000 award; it too passed with amendments. In each case, the chair’s recommendation was adopted, with Representative Tam excused. The committee also heard HB 796, a tax-credit review bill, which drew no support and 12 opposition testimonies with three comments. Opponents, including SAG-AFTRA Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued that automatic sunset provisions or broad tax-credit cuts would burden working families and that existing review mechanisms already exist under state law. The Department of Taxation and DBEDT offered technical comments, and the Tax Foundation suggested the bill’s goals might be better addressed by cleaning up the existing review process. Later, the committee heard HB 303, which had 17 supporters and no opposition. Testifiers from the Department of Health, University of Hawaii, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Queen’s Health System, and the Hawaii State Chiropractors Association supported the measure, with the chiropractors asking to be included in eligibility. The Hawaii State Center for Nursing said the program had been successful for five years and had room to expand. HB 577 also drew support, with the Department of Taxation offering comments and the Tax Foundation noting technical issues. HB 949 generated mixed testimony: Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce supported it, while Hawaii Children’s Action Network raised concerns about the bill’s effects and the lack of fiscal analysis; Sugar Creek Capital also supported the measure and clarified that the credit would not offset the GET. Finally, HB 933 and HB 959 were heard, with HB 933 receiving six support testimonies and comments focused on grocery tax relief and food insecurity, and HB 959 drawing strong support from labor and advocacy groups for its broad tax relief package, while the Tax Foundation and Hawaii Appleseed urged caution about the proposed 50% GET increase and asked for clearer fiscal analysis.